genetics
Could heart disease actually be contagious?
A new hypothesis suggests that you can "catch" noncommunicable diseases from other people via the microbiome.
Chinese scientist gets jail for rogue gene editing
A punishment is handed down for performing shocking research on human embryos.
Early exposure to dogs might curb schizophrenia risk, Maryland researchers say
Man's best friend indeed.
An ancient piece of chewing gum offers surprising insights into the human genome
All this from a wad of gum?
‘One among millions’: DNA is not the only genetic molecule
A recent computer analysis found that millions of possible chemical compounds could be used to store genetic information. This begs the question — why DNA?
To make laziness work for you, put some effort into it
If laziness is written into our genes, why not embrace it?
Cut, paste, life
Unnatural Selection and the thrilling, terrifying possibilities of genetic editing.
Mutation in ‘junk DNA’ behind several deadly cancers
A single typo in the "dark matter" of the genome drives multiple types of cancer.
Has Jurassic Park fostered misunderstanding about extinction?
While the blockbuster franchise might have given us a distorted view of science's capabilities to address species extinction, new research might come close to "resurrecting" lost species' DNA.
Hypoxia researchers win 2019 Nobel Prize in Medicine
Three scientist friends, working separately, share the prestigious prize.
Serious problem found with gene-edited celebrity cows
The FDA calls out creators of genetically tweaked hornless bulls.
New CRISPR tools can cut, splice whole chromosomes
Experts are saying it's a "huge step forward for synthetic biology."
5 ways CRISPR will reshape humanity and the world
A transformational tool for the future of the world.
There may be a very easy way to predict the sex of sperm
A team of Japanese researchers comes across a remarkably simple trick.
What the ban on gene-edited babies means for family planning
The question is no longer "can we" but "should we" edit human embryos.
Why home DNA tests might not be as private as you think
These tests report on more than just your risk for cilantro aversion and your ice-cream flavor preference.
CRISPR used in human trials for first time in U.S.
Do scientists know enough about gene editing to move forward with human trials?
Spanish scientists are making ‘very promising’ human-monkey chimeras in China
The first human-monkey hybrid has allegedly been created in a Chinese lab.
Does science suffer from a lack of imagination?
Eric Weinstein says that we need to rethink the current scientific model to allow for more dreaming.
The Y chromosome is disappearing – so what will happen to men?
The loss of the Y chromosome could drive the formation of entirely new species.
10 new things we’ve learned about cancer
Cancer's sweet tooth. Turning cancer cells into fat. Unveiling genetic secrets. Scientists are learning about cancer every day.
7 things everyone should know about autism
Autism is a widely misunderstood condition surrounded by falsehoods, half-truths, and cultural assumptions.
Read a Harvard geneticist’s plan for redesigning humans
Professor George Church creates a gene "wishlist" that can lead to superhuman abilities.
Is autism caused by environmental or genetic factors?
When it comes to lifelong conditions like autism spectrum disorder, we tend to be biased in a way that obscures reality.
This bacteria can withstand 1,000x as much radiation as would kill a human
Meet Deinococcus radioduranst, the world's toughest bacteria.
A man-made embryo shows how a stem cell finds its role
A unique 3D model allows researchers to explore embryonic development.
Deer antlers are a ‘controlled’ form of bone cancer growth
Future cancer research may come from studying antler growth.
Evolution just got turned upside down. Sorry sponges.
Stems cells have always been pretty amazing.
After Hurricane Maria, these lizards developed a grip that’s 10 times stronger
Are we witnessing evolution in real time?